Maybe I'm talking nonsense... Could be some hidden emission control, that triggers some kind of limiter? Since the Japan emissions regulations are different perhaps less restrictive...
Since I can't find any massive rumors about this issue from Japan. There is a lot videos on youtube and they are trashing this little thing like crazy and nothing... but then again this are heavily modified cars. And their road speed regulations are also bit like 30-80kmh max...
What oil do you use? I read somewhere that the reason for recall on vacuum pump valve is the Ecstar oil 5W30, which swells the rubber parts... and then they recommend 0W20 or C2.
